blackbirder

[ blak-bur-der ]

noun

1. (formerly) a person or ship illegally engaged in the slave trade, especially in the Pacific.

Word History and Origins

Origin of blackbirder¹

First recorded in 1880–85; blackbird + -er ¹

Example Sentences

They heard a crash, aloft and below, aboard the Blackbirder, and the yells of the men as they scattered to avoid the falling spars.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, leaving the captain of the Blackbirder in strict custody, Cathie pulled over to the brig and proceeded to overhaul it with all the enjoyment of a humanitarian highwayman going through his victim's pockets.

From Project Gutenberg

Blair showed him the tribute exacted from the Blackbirder, and told him the things were for himself and those who had been carried off with him, and the black eyes sparkled greedily.

From Project Gutenberg

Now," said Blair, to the downcast captain of the Blackbirder, through Stuart, "you will stop here.

From Project Gutenberg

Every keg of rum they could lay hands on was stove in and emptied into the lagoon, and when the captain was fairly satisfied that he had clipped the Blackbirder's wings, for this voyage at any rate, and, as he jocularly said, had given the yellow men a chance of practising teetotal principles for a spell, though he feared the effect would only be temporary, he returned to the Torch and sent his boats to bring back the prisoners from their damp roosting-place.

From Project Gutenberg